Is Taking Anti Estrogen Pills Good for Women?

Estrogen levels mark a significant biological difference between men and women. In women, estrogen is the dominant hormone, whereas in men it is secondary to testosterone. Although taking pills to stop estrogen production may at first seem like a strange medical regiment for a woman, recent research has shown that it may help prevent certain kinds of cancer in postmenopausal women.

• Anti-estrogens are often used by body builders to increase muscle mass.

About Estrogen

• As explained in Christine Conrad's book, "A Woman's Guide to Natural Hormones," estrogen is actually the name for a family of hormones found in the body. The most important members of this family include estrone, estradiol, and estriol, although there are also several others. Estrogen production is the primary factor in female development, stimulating breast growth, menstrual periods and menopause. Estrogen plays an important role in forming connections between brain cells, and also impacts the sensitivity of sensory faculties, as well as the development of motor skills.

Anti Estrogen Pills: Identification

• Bill Roberts, in his online article entitled "Antiestrogens," explains that there are two types of anti-estrogens: aromotase inhibitors and receptor blockers. Aromotase inhibitors stop the production of estradiol, the most powerful estrogen hormone, by blocking the enzymes that cause the hormone's secretion. Receptor blockers also prevent production by not only blocking enzyme activity, but also activating certain receptors that control estrogen release in breast and fat tissue. Regardless of whether they are used by men or women, the usual side effects of anti-estrogens include hair loss, acne, mood swings and gynecomastia, or abnormal breast enlargement in males.

Common Uses of Anti-estrogens

• Anti-estrogens are most commonly used as body building supplements for men. With their ability to reduce water retention, increase lean muscle mass and decrease gynecomastia, anti-estrogens provide an excellent aid in building strength and muscle. Anti-estrogens are usually taken immediately following a work-out session, since exercise increases estrogen production. Extended use is not recommended, and supplementation periods should only last five to six weeks.

Benefits for Women

• It is not common to hear of a woman taking anti-estrogens as a daily supplement; nor is it likely to be recommended. However, scientific research does support the use of anti-estrogens to prevent breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The drug Raloxifene, for example, is currently recommended for use by postmenopausal women, and has been proven to prevent breast cancer development. According to Dr. Deborah Grady, author of a recent study on Raloxifene, "...these findings are important because few drugs actually reduce the risk of breast cancer." The drug is also recommended for both preventing and treating osteoporosis. It is usually only recommended after the onset of menopause.

Warning

• Of course, no drug is without its side effects, and anti-estrogens are no exception to the rule. Raloxifene, for example, can cause blood clots and stroke, and is therefore only suggested for patients with low risk for these symptoms. The normal side effects listed above are also possible.